Creator Bio
Levi Isaac of Berdichev
ca. 1740–1809
Levi Isaac (Yitsḥak) of Berdichev, born in Hoshakov, Galicia, to a rabbinic family, was introduced to Hasidism by a follower of Dov Ber, the Magid of Mezritsh. As a fervent Hasid, Levi Isaac clashed bitterly with Misnagdim and, living in a hostile environment in Zelechów and Pinsk, found sanctuary in Berdichev in 1785, where he remained until his death. While he neither established a Hasidic court nor had a large number of disciples, he stressed the role of a tsadik as an intermediary between the human and the divine. His teachings influenced later Hasidism; he became a well-loved figure about whom many tales abound.
Entries in the Posen Library by This Creator
Primary Source
Kedushat Levi (Sanctity of Levi)
We recite the blessing “Who performed miracles for our forefathers, etc.” on Hanukkah and Purim, but we do not do so on Passover, even though the Exodus…
Primary Source
A Din Toyre mit Gott/Der kadish fun rabi Levi Yitshok (A Court Case with God/The Kaddish of Rabbi Levi Isaac)
“Good morning, Master of the universe!
I, Levi-Yitzchok of Berdytschev, have come to hold
Judgment with You concerning Your people Israel.
What have You against Israel?
Why have you imposed…